The Widow of the South

This is the author's first novel.

This novel is a nice blend of fact with reasonable fiction inserted. An interesting view of this tragic war from the perspective of various individuals, but primarily from one Southern woman in Tennessee.

NOBODY'S READING ANYTHING????

Bridge of Sighs, by Richard Russo

This was an interesting character study of families who originated in a small town setting. I enjoyed most of the book, but in the end it was a bit more ho-hum, when I really prefer a little intrigue.

The Vagrants, by Yiyun Li

This was recently on one of the booklists for summer reading, so I picked up at a copy at the library. It is set in the late seventies and revolves around the counterrevolutionary struggle that included the "democracy wall" in Bejing. The characters are well developed and intertwined in a creative and interesting way which forces the reader to use the memory tracks in their brain. I was not aware that the kind of issues described in this book were still prevalent in 1979.
It's not a "happy" book, but it was a fascinating (albeit somewhat depressing) look into another culture.

The Story of Edgar "Sorry-tale"

Sorry - I just didn't like it. Initially interesting to see why the potent elixir was purchased, then snoozing for several chapters. Toward the end it was somewhat intriguing to see whether Claude would be discovered for his crimes. But the end was like a giant firecracker that whimpered, fizzled and went out with a sputter. I listened to the discs in the car. That's right - there were 18!

The Wife of Martin Guerre by Janet Lewis

Josh was reloading his book shelf and suggested I read this quick piece which is the basis for the story told in the movie "Sommersby". Very interesting to read this story and think about how the story was later created in a more dramatic fashion, different era, different country -- for a movie.

Very quick read - and fun!

Josh -- I'll pop this book back into the mail to you. Thanks.

The Woman's Day Reading List

I took a peek. Some I have already read, some I want to read, and others I've never heard of. Have you read any of these? Any of them on your book-list for the summer? Discuss!

http://www.womansday.com/Content/Family-Lifestyle/The-Woman-s-Day-Reading-List?cid=5385

The Eight -- (chess anyone?)

I listened to this complex and detailed novel in the car. Nearly caused me to miss my exit a few times.

Robin Carr Series - Book 2 & 3

I have now finished the 2nd and 3rd book in the series -- which is really Chapter 2 & 3 of a very long book. As usual, everything turns out perfectly for the main characters.

Robyn Carr Series -- Virgin River, Book 1

MaMa has been hounding me to read this series for a while. It finally came up on my library booklist and I plunged in. Simple writing style, simple story, predictible -- but I got hooked on the characters nonetheless.

Reality isn't a factor, so forget about the fact that nobody has to worry about money ever and the seemingly utopian community -- it's still a fun read for the beach.

Contrary to what you might think, it does NOT make me long to live in an obscure, rural area. I"m reading the 2nd in the series now. (Shelter Mountain)

Chick-Lit warning to all you macho guys out there.